Do Waiting Periods for Abortion Boost Domestic Abuse?

Have you ever thought about how laws that control abortion access might affect domestic abuse? Let's dive into that. When states enforce mandatory waiting periods (MWPs) for abortions, they’re not just making it harder to get the procedure. These laws can have unexpected side effects. Researchers studied data from two large datasets, the National Incident-Based Reporting System and Uniform Crime Report - Supplemental Homicide Reports, to look into this.They hypothesized that MWPs could increase intimate partner violence (IPV) due to financial stress, health issues, and changes in family dynamics. Using different statistical methods, they found that indeed, these waiting periods are linked to a rise in IPV. So, as we navigate the changing landscape of abortion laws, it's crucial to consider these unintended consequences.